Transparent LED Disk for Marine Stanchion Base Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Boating accessories such as seat pedestals, stanchions, and handrails lack effective lighting solutions for low-light conditions, making it difficult for boaters to navigate and identify these features safely.
Innovation Solution
The integration of transparent disks with embedded LED light sources and fasteners that secure the accessories to the boat surface, providing illumination by directing light from the LED sources to the edges of the disks, which are chamfered to enhance light distribution and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional non-illuminated bases are used, then the structure remains simple and cost-effective, but visibility in low-light conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the base structure with an integrated lighting system, merging the structural support function with the illumination function into a single unified component. The base housing contains both structural elements and light guides, eliminating the need for separate lighting fixtures and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light guide elements as intermediary components that transfer light from the light source to the perimeter of the base. These light guides act as mediators between the centralized light source and the distributed illumination points, enabling effective lighting without requiring multiple complex light sources.
2Illumination intensity
If LED light sources are integrated into the base, then illumination is provided, but water or moisture contact becomes a risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses transparent or translucent protective coverings (films or shells) over the light source and light guide elements. These thin film protections allow light to pass through while providing a barrier against water and moisture ingress, maintaining both illumination and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base housing creates a protected environment (inert atmosphere) around the electrical components and light sources. This enclosed space isolates sensitive elements from the harsh marine environment, preventing water and moisture contact while allowing the lighting function to operate reliably.
3Illumination intensity
If the disk is made opaque to block light, then structural integrity is maintained, but light distribution to edges is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the base structure. The central area housing the light source uses opaque or translucent materials for protection, while the perimeter regions use transparent or translucent materials to allow light extraction and distribution to the edges, optimizing both structural integrity and light distribution.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances boater safety by providing aesthetic lighting and improved navigation in low-light conditions, allowing boaters to easily identify and use boat accessories, while the transparent disks bear the weight of the accessories and encapsulated LEDs prevent water exposure.
Implementation Method 1
providing an LED light source in the transparent disk
Implementation Method 2
The outer circumferential edge may extend beyond the boat accessory base and may be chamfered so a portion of the light traveling from the light source to the circumferential edge may be directed in the direction perpendicular to the chamfer
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing lighting to a boat surface comprising providing an LED light source in a transparent disk and placing the disk on the boat surface in a location where the seat pedestal is to be mounted with the disk fastener openings aligned with the boat surface openings. The method includes connecting a power source to the light source, placing the seat pedestal on the transparent disk with the seat pedestal fastener openings aligned with the disk fastener openings and inserting the at least one fastener through the seat pedestal openings, disk openings and boat surface openings. The fastener secures the seat pedestal and disk to the boat surface wherein the transparent disk bears the weight of the seat pedestal. Upon providing power to the light source, light travels from the light source to the circumferential edge of the transparent disk, illuminating the area adjacent the seat pedestal.